The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has strongly condemned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over recent increases in utility tariffs, describing the justification as “unconvincing” and “tone-deaf” to the economic hardships facing businesses and ordinary Ghanaians.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Alpha A. Shaban, GUTA rejected the PURC’s rationale for the hikes, which include a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% rise in water charges effective May 3, 2025. “The reasons do not hold water,” the statement said.
GUTA argued that instead of passing on the burden to consumers, PURC should focus on eliminating inefficiencies and waste in the management of electricity and water services.
“We appreciate the fact that life is not static, and changes are inevitable when necessary — but not at the whim of any particular body,” the statement read.
The association also criticized the broader public sector, alleging that it has become a “gold mine” for personal enrichment among public and civil servants.
“It appears the public sector is now being turned into a gold mine, where every public or civil servant takes advantage to enrich themselves within a short period of time,” the statement alleged.
GUTA is calling on the government to take decisive action against corruption and misappropriation within state institutions.
“We appeal to the government to focus more attention on this negative attitude to public service, identify all the theft, diversion, misappropriation, or misapplication of state funds or property, and deal with them decisively to recover all the stolen assets,” the statement concluded.
The utility tariff hikes have sparked widespread criticism, with many Ghanaians expressing concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.
GUTA’s stance highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to managing the economy and addressing the challenges facing the country.
